ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More cities are recognizing Native Americans on Columbus Day this year as they revive a movement to change the name of the holiday to celebrate the history and contributions of indigenous cultures around the country.
As the U.S. observes Columbus Day on Monday, it will also be Indigenous Peoples Day in at least nine U.S. cities, including Albuquerque; Portland, Oregon; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Olympia, Washington.
In Connecticut, the Association of Native Americans at Yale, New Haven Workers Association – Unidad Latina en Acción, and MEChA de Yale will be addressing the colonial legacy of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers, and recognizing indigenous peoples across the hemisphere, reflected in the voices, dances, and foods of Native Americans. The groups will hold a demonstration on Cross Campus from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Encouraged by city council votes in Minneapolis and Seattle last year, Native American activists have made a push in dozens of cities to get local leaders to officially recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. Their success was mixed.
They say the indigenous holiday takes into account the history and contributions of Native Americans for a more accurate historical record.
